Car Key Replacement Services
When your car remote key fob stops working it can be a frustrating and inconvenient. Fortunately, many locksmiths for automotive and dealerships offer car key replacement services that will get your key back to functioning correctly.
Before heading to the dealer or a locksmith professional, try a few simple steps at home first.
Keys stolen or lost
It doesn't matter if lost it or left it on the counter in the grocery store. Fortunately, most of these issues can be fixed on your own, even without the help of a professional. You may have to replace the battery or the fob might be missing the pairing information. Both of these problems can be fixed easily.
Modern cars have remote controls that communicate with the vehicle via radio frequency. When the fob is working, it sends out an alert that allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, as well being able to start the engine. car key fob repair near me isn't a mechanical key, so you can't simply cut it at a hardware store and used to open your car. The latest fobs also come with transponder chips that need to be programmed for your specific vehicle in order for keyless entry to work.
The most common problem with a car key fob is that it has lost its connection with the vehicle. This can occur if the battery is dead or if there's a power failure. While most modern car models offer the option of resetting the fob and restore its pairing, refer to the owner's manual to find instructions. If resetting the fob doesn't fix the problem, it will need to be reprogrammed, which typically will require a trip to an automotive locksmith or a dealership.
A replacement fob purchase can be costly and takes some time for the dealer to order and program it. If your insurance policy does not cover the cost, it's still worth contacting the maker of your car or locksmith to determine whether you can get the fob replaced. You can save money and time by having a locksmith make a copy of the key on-site. A locksmith can also cut keys and replace the existing transponder chip. This must be synchronized with the receiver module of your vehicle.
Bad Battery
While modern car remotes are practical and offer a more secure method to start your vehicle, they can still be a hassle when they stop functioning. This is usually something that can be fixed by replacing the battery in the key fob.
The batteries that power the majority of modern remote key fobs are coin cells made of lithium ion. They are relatively affordable and do not have a limit in time, however they have a limit to the length of time they can last. The battery of a remote key may get worn out faster than the normal if it is used frequently. This could be due to being pushed or pressed too hard, or by being exposed to moisture, which could cause corrosion.
A worn or dead battery is the most common reason for a car keys not responding properly. This should be the first thing to check if your remote key has stopped functioning. Often, this will fix the issue however, if it doesn't, it is time to replace the battery.
A battery is typically bad due to oxidation or corrosion. It may also give acidic fumes or leaks of acid from the battery. This can cause poor connections between the battery's terminals. This can be fixed by getting rid of the battery and cleaning the contacts using baking soda and water. After cleaning, you can solder the connectors back into place and test your remote again.
While you are checking a dying or dead battery It is also a good idea to see the buttons that have stopped functioning. This can be a sign that there is a more serious issue with your remote and you will need to call in a professional to repair it. A professional can tell you if the remote is repairable or whether it needs to be replaced completely. You can either repair it immediately with an onboard procedure or connect to your vehicle's OBD2 port to program a new key fob an efficient and safe manner.
Bad Transponder Chip
Similarly to the way the remote to your garage door transmits an exact signal to its receptor so that it opens and closes the door, the chip in the car key transmits a unique code to your vehicle's computer system. The car is informed that it is the legitimate owner and stops anyone from running the engine without authorization.
When you try to start your vehicle and it won't, this is an indication that your transponder is malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons but is usually an indication that you need a new key.
Another sign that a transponder chip gone bad is when your car won't lock using the key fob. In this case, you'll need to lock your car manually. This can be very frustrating particularly if your car is locked.
The transponder may stop working If the battery inside the fob's battery is depleted. Over time, the fob battery will slowly lose its charge. It is always recommended to keep an extra key fob battery in the case that you can replace it if necessary.
There are a variety of other issues with the transponder chip of a car but these are the most common. Contact an auto locksmith as fast as possible when your key fob's power source is dead or if the chip that controls transponder has become faulty. They can reprogram the key or replace it entirely, depending on what's needed. A Queen Creek auto locksmith will be able to identify the problem for you and offer a solution that is reliable. Usually they are cheaper than going to dealers.
Pairings that are corrupted or lost
The key fob in your car isn't indestructible, and it's not uncommon for them to lose functionality as time passes. There are a few easy solutions you can attempt to make your remote work again.
Try to lock and unlock your car using an alternative key. This will help ensure that your fob isn't at fault and also to eliminate a mechanical issue in the locks if it does turn out to be an electrical issue.
Often, car key fobs just need to have their batteries replaced. Replacing the batteries isn't expensive and you can do it yourself, without professional equipment.
It is crucial to select the appropriate type of battery. Most automotive fobs are designed to work with CR2025 or CR2032 batteries, though some may use other kinds. You can look up the label on the remote or look inside if you are not certain. The battery will have a specific number written or printed on it. You can also utilize a multimeter to determine the voltage.
Another easy fix is to try a new pair of batteries. The batteries inside the remote could wear out or corrode over time. Removing them could bring back its functionality.
If the battery change doesn't work, you can try to clean out the fob and ensure all of the buttons are functioning properly. Car key fobs aren't indestructible and may get dirty if they are tossed around in purses or pockets. In certain cases, taking them off and cleaning them and flexing them back and out can help get your remote back up and running.
If you've tried every step on this list, but your car key fob isn't working, you'll probably need it reprogrammed. Grays Locksmiths will do this and will provide you with either the new one or a used one, if required.